Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1887-04-27
SUDDENLY CALLED AWAY.
Death of Alexander Mitchell, the
Millionaire Railroad
Magnate.
He Expires Suddenly in New York
Hotel Of Bronchial Pneu.
m0nia.
New York special.l


Alexander Mitchell, President Of tho
CT icaso, Milwaukee & st. Paul Railroad,
died Ut his rooms in the Hoffman House,
in this city, on Tuesday afternoon. He
had been been gradually losing strength
for two months, but the illness which re-
suited II his death began only week ago.
Mr.. Mitchell some months age deter
mined TO Withdraw from active business
pursuitS, and Dec. last, accompanied by
hev. Dr. Kean, his old pastor, he started
from Milwaukee in his private car for
trip to his winter home, in Florida,
whittier Mrs. Mitchell had gone some time
before. At his magnificent place, villa
Alexandria" just at the head of the st.
Johns River, he devoted himself 10 the
pleasures of q winter resort, spending
much time out Of doors aud getting far
more exercise than he had ever had before
Yet, although he seemed 10 be in the best
OF spirits, he steadily lost flesh. He had
always been one of the most methodical of
men, and the change told on him.
Three weeks ago Mr.. Mitchell aud Dir.
Kean left Florida, reaching this city April
2, and going Immediately to the Hoffman
House. Two days later Mr.. Mitchell COM
planned Of feeling unwell and developed
feverish symptoms, but he soon recovered
and was able to go down town, although
the feverish condition returned at intervals.
His son, John l.. Mitchell, had joined him
party of friends Mr.. Mitchell
heard Patti sing at the Metro
politan Opera House last Wednts-
day night. Sitting in the front of the box
he was probably exposed to draft, for be-
fore the last act he complained Of illness
and left the opera house. So weak was he
when his carriage reached the hotel that he
had to be assisted to his room. After that
he never left his bed. DR.. Edward Brad
ley, his physician, found that he was suffer-
ing from a malarial trouble and bronchial
pneumonia, from which he failed to rally.
He sunk into state of coma Monday
evening and never recovered conscious
ness. Death resulted from asphy xis, caused
by bronchial pneumonia.
Alexander Mitchell was born Oct ls, 1877, in
the parish Of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
His father was a farmer, and the early days Of
the future hnancier were passed in the same
ayocation. For two years he studied law at
Aberdeen and then went into bank at Peter
head and remained there until he to
Milwaukee in May, 1883. when. in company
with George Smith, of Chicago, he organized the
Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Com
although not called one on account Of the law
then In force. The bills OF this company we're
the only reliable paper currency the Territory
had for many years yet despite the times
every dollar was redeemed when resented.
1t Is as manager and promoter of railroads
that the deceased was best known to the world,
he having been for years at the head Of the Chi
cago, Milwaukee and st. Paul Company, cor
poration that controls more miles OF road than
any other in the world
Politically Mr.. Mitchell was originally a Whig,
then he joined the Republicans in clecting
Lincoln and prosecuting the war, nfterward
joining with the Democrats in support Of Presi-
dent Johnson Since then his party sent him
f0 E0usross In 1870 and 1872, and would have
cCntinued him there had he not declined further
onice. He was one of the delegates that nomi-
mated MIR. Tilden, and was one OF his most ar
dent supporters. In 1879 the Democrats want
ed him TO be candidate for Governor. but he
declined throughout his political career he
was always moderate and conservative in his
views, and seemed to favor measures that
would insure general prosperity rather than
party success.
Mr. Mitchell is survived by wife, son.
John L.. an adopted daughter. Mrs. DIR. Mackie
OF this city, and sister and brother living In
Aberdeenshire, Scotland Mr.. Nitchells es-
tate is variously estimated at from 5000, 900
to SIS, ,000, 600.